BYU’s new football lobby is gorgeous

“The mission of BYU football has been, and always will be, to change lives through football excellence.”

This is a statement from BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall that appears on the wall of BYU’s new football-themed lobby in the Student Athlete Building. If the phrase is any indication of what BYU stirves for, then the new look lobby drives it home.

BYU unveiled their new lobby on Wednesday during a ceremony honoring the donors who helped make it all possible, and it is quite stunning just by judging from the photos.

BYU’s new lobby is stunning. Image via BYU Athletics.

“I hope you look and see progress here,” Mendenhall said. “What we work hard to do is bring to life what you’re supporting so when others come in they know exactly who we are, what we represent, and why, and then ask how they can become a part of it. It inspires you to be someone who is stronger and a better version of yourself. Because of your support, you’ve made that come to life. This is a tangible way to show the direction we’re going.”

Some of the features of the lobby show off the 1984 National Championship trophy, video screens showing memorable moments in BYU history and preserving the legacies of some great Cougar players such as Ty Detmer, Steve Young and many more. Of course, this being BYU, there are quotes from LDS leaders and a map showing where players have served and are currently serving missions.

“I was awe-struck and inspired looking at this,” donor Jim Evans said. “You feel the spirit of what this is all about. It portrays the spirit of what coach Mendenhall wants BYU football to be about.”

It remains unknown just how long BYU will continue to play as a football independent. After making the decision to abandon the Mountain West Conference as their storied rival, Utah, accepted a spot in the Pac 12, BYU strongly sold the message of football independence being a way to sell the BYU philosophy on a more national platform. BYU wants to strive to be the Notre Dame of the west and while they may not be able to reach that kind of notoriety on a national level it does seem as though the pieces are in place for BYU to continue life as an independent even in a time of massive conference realignment. In time BYU may change their line of thinking and realize that a conference affiliation may do more